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Phil Sutters

Phil Sutters club

Posted: 06 Apr 2015

Taken: 02 Apr 2015

2 favorites     5 comments    366 visits

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The First World War The First World War

old photos old photos

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WW1 •
Royal Engineers •
First World War •
A Hereford family in the military •

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H.H. Sadler in Royal Engineers' uniform with 'Wilkie' - WW1 - 1917

H.H. Sadler in Royal Engineers' uniform with 'Wilkie' - WW1 - 1917
My grandfather Howard Sadler, on the left, presumably in France or Belgium, in 1917, with a friend called Wilkie. He was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, that was his rank. He was a signaller, as shown by the blue and white armband. He communicated between units and their commanders using Morse code.
This has been added to the Vintage Photos Theme Park for the 'pals, buddies etc.' theme.

Alan Mays, have particularly liked this photo

Comments
 Polyrus
Polyrus
I hope he survived WW1
9 years ago.
Phil Sutters club has replied to Polyrus
He did indeed, surviving into his 80s. As with many war veterans, he never spoke much of his experiences, but we do know he was at Ypres. I have just acquired my mother's photo collection which I have yet to go through in detail, but there appear to be a number of prints and negatives of WW1 photos., which I have never seen before - mainly groups of various sizes which include Grandpa Sadler. Thanks for your interest and concern, Neil.
9 years ago. Edited 9 years ago.
 Alan Mays
Alan Mays club
Interesting! "Sapper" was new to me, and I was interested to read Wikipedia's long article on the topic.
4 years ago.
Phil Sutters club has replied to Alan Mays club
The Royal Engineers were originally called the Regiment of Sappers and Miners. Sapping was originally digging communication trenches and mining was digging tunnels under enemy lines to place explosives ready to blow them up. I think the terms probably come from the 17th century, but may be earlier. Mining was used to undermine castle or town walls way back.
4 years ago.
 RicksPics
RicksPics club
Interesting photo and background story, Phil.
4 years ago.

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